National Challenge Encourages Local Shelter To Save Lives

Published June 14th, 2014

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GAINESVILLE - One stop shopping for a great cause. Fifty shelters across the nation are competing to break their own record to save the lives of as many animals as they can. Alachua County Animal Services is one of the participants this year.

It's called the ASPCA Rachael Ray 100K Challenge. Alachua County's goal is not only to win the grand prize but most importantly save the lives of 2,500 pets. "I love pets and they're really fun to play with," Sherwayne Forde said. The Forde family is taking their time trying to find the ideal pet. "A big dog, I like both dogs but big dogs are the best. They are warm and fuzzy and cuddly," said Aja Forde.

They've been browsing around but only at local shelters, they know they want a rescue pet from a local shelter. "Well because like dogs get second chances too. Like people get second chances, a dog should too cause they are adorable and awesome."

That's why they were at Gainesville Automotive-- where "Car Wars: Episode One," was being hosted. An event benefiting the Alachua County Animal Services, in an effort to win the ASPCA Rachael Ray 100K Challenge.

A contest in which 50 shelters across the country compete to break their own records; each shelter must save more pets than they did last summer.

Dory Rosati the adoption coordinator said, "And the goal is we need to reach 2,500 live outcomes. So that includes adoptions like we're doing here, returns to owners, strays that go back to their families, feral cats that are released after being spayed and neutered… and also transfers to our rescue group partners."

Susan Tipton with the Florida Poodle Rescue says Brittany's previous owner used to tie rubber bands around her mouth to keep her from barking. Brittany now suffers from a permanent a scar. Tipton says no matter the circumstances, these pets deserve a second chance at life in a loving and caring home.

"There's too many people that are indiscriminately breeding dogs and the dogs that go through a rescue agency like the dogs that are on craigslist are just given away have actually been vetted. All these guys have been to the vet, they've had their shots, and they’ve had their teeth done. They're micro chipped,” Tipton added.

The challenge will run until August 31st. Sunday there will be another pet adoption event at Jonesville Park from noon to 4 p-m. In the meantime the Forde's hope they can prevent anymore animal cruelty by adopting one of their own.

"Sometimes when dogs are adopted by the wrong owner, the owner doesn't really care for the dog… So the right person needs to adopt the right dog," Sherwayne Forde said.

For more information on Alachua County Animal Services particiation, click here.